PREVIEW: SCOTTISH OPEN, EDINBURGH

EDINBURGH co-promoter John Campbell has admitted the club could be forced to sit out the 2023 campaign – if tonight’s (Saturday, 6.30pm) Ratho Coaches Scottish Open turns out to be the final senior speedway event at Armadale.

The venue is set to close at the end of the season and the Monarchs’ hopes of moving into a new stadium next year were dashed recently.

British Champion and World No.6 Dan Bewley, who rode for Edinburgh at the start of his career in 2016, heads a star-studded line-up including home stars Sam Masters and Josh Pickering, reigning champion Richie Worrall and fellow big-hitters Richard Lawson, Chris Harris and Craig Cook.

Campbell said: “It’s hard work putting a field together with so many riders’ commitments to consider, but I believe we have done justice to the occasion and got a great line-up. I hope everyone has a great night.

“If our time at Armadale comes to an end on Saturday then it will mean that we will be homeless next season and the Monarchs will have to sit out for a year.

“Please be aware that the battle to bring the Monarchs back to track has already started and will continue until the Blue and Gold returns to the shale. Our determination to do that is unlimited.”

LINE-UP: Josh Pickering, Chris Harris, Aaron Summers, Sam Masters, Justin Sedgmen, Craig Cook, Dan Bewley, Lasse Fredriksen, Leon Flint, Richard Lawson, Richie Worrall, Max Clegg, Jacob Hook, James Sarjeant, Theo Pijper, Kye Thomson. Res: Ace Pijper, Gregor Millar.

*LIVE STREAMING: https://edinburghmonarchs.co.uk/emtv